The subway is a common mode of transportation throughout Europe, and Turkey is no exception. In Istanbul, thousands of residents rely on the subway to commute to work, school, and other daily activities. However, one day, something unusual caught the attention of passengers on one particular train.

A dog had boarded the subway! What was even stranger was that he had no owner in sight. Despite being alone, this dog rode the subway like any other passenger, with a calm and well-mannered demeanor that puzzled everyone.

This mysterious dog soon became a regular fixture on the subway, much to the intrigue of the locals. Day after day, as they went about their usual routines, passengers couldn’t help but notice the same friendly dog joining them on their commutes. His presence sparked curiosity, with many people beginning to wonder who he belonged to and, more importantly, where he was headed every day.

The sight of this seemingly independent canine navigating the subway was both heartwarming and perplexing, leaving passengers eager to uncover the story behind his daily travels.

The dog quickly became a local mystery, sparking curiosity among everyone who saw him. With no collar or identification, there was no way to figure out who he belonged to or who to contact for more information. Yet, what amazed people was how incredibly well-trained he seemed.

He confidently hopped from one train to another, navigating the subway system without guidance as if he had an important daily agenda. Each morning, he would appear at the station without fail.

While many found the dog’s solo subway journeys adorable and even funny, concerns began to grow. The fact that he was alone stirred feelings of sympathy. People wondered if he was a stray, perhaps searching for a lost owner. A few locals posted flyers around the area.

However, despite their efforts, weeks passed, and there was no response. No one came forward to claim him, and the mystery of the subway dog deepened, leaving locals puzzled and concerned about his fate.

Even though there were initial concerns about the dog being a stray, he showed no signs of distress or of searching for someone. In fact, the dog appeared to enjoy his solo adventures around the city, moving about as if he were a tourist. He navigated the subway easily, seemingly knowing the entire system and any regular commuter.

It wasn’t long before locals began spotting him on other forms of public transportation, such as trams and even ferries — the dog’s ability to travel the city on his own amazed everyone who crossed his path.

When he wasn’t riding around, the dog made himself at home in the various stations. On sunny days, he could be found lounging and napping outdoors. On rainy or cold days, he would curl up on an indoor bench for a cozy nap. His laid-back attitude toward city life and his love for exploring made him an endearing presence to many commuters.

Before long, this adventurous pup became a local legend, known by many residents for his independent spirit and daily travels throughout Istanbul’s public transport system.

What fascinated people the most was how effortlessly the dog boarded and disembarked from the trains. While many humans find public transport stressful, this dog was completely at ease. He calmly moved from one train to the next.

The usual hustle and bustle of the subway station, including the crowds and loud noises, didn’t bother him. In fact, he often gazed out the window, watching the city pass by as if he were enjoying the ride.

One photographer, who followed the dog for a day, noted his routine with amazement. The dog would wait patiently at nearby benches, seemingly attuned to the subtle vibrations of an approaching train.

As soon as the train neared, he would head to the platform’s edge, instinctively knowing where the doors would open. Remarkably, most passengers allowed him to enter first, giving the dog a chance to board as if he were just another daily traveler.

As time passed, people became more concerned about the dog’s well-being. While his travels were impressive, questions began to surface: Where was he getting food and water? What if he injured himself during his journeys? Although the dog never caused any trouble for passengers, his safety and health worried many.

The locals weren’t bothered by his presence on the subway; they just wanted to ensure he was cared for properly. Unsure of what else to do, a few residents decided the best course of action was to contact the authorities.

Their goal wasn’t to have the dog taken away but to ensure he received the care and attention he needed. However, what these concerned citizens didn’t realize was that the authorities, as well as other city residents, were already well aware of the dog.

In fact, the authorities had been keeping a close eye on him and had already started devising a plan. The locals’ concerns were valid, but unbeknownst to them, steps were already being taken to ensure the safety and care of the adventurous dog.

The Department of Public Transport had already been aware of the subway dog long before locals raised concerns. Aylin Erol, head of customer relations at Istanbul Metro, revealed that the dog had caught their attention months earlier, prompting them to monitor him discreetly.

Recognizing that this dog was unique, the department chose not to interfere with his travels immediately. Instead, they decided to track his movements and observe his daily routine.

As weeks passed, the metro staff began sharing stories about where they had seen the dog on different days. They tried to piece together his path and determine why he used public transport so frequently. However, after some time, they felt it was important to ensure the dog was healthy.

Through their observations, they realized something surprising: the dog didn’t seem to have a specific destination in mind. He simply loved the act of traveling itself.

The Department of Public Transport staff became so intrigued by the dog’s actions that they decided to take their supervision one step further. Over the months, they developed a strong affection for the lone subway dog, and their concerns for his well-being grew. The transportation department team collectively decided to bring him in for a checkup.

One day, they carefully lured the dog into a crate and drove him to a nearby veterinary clinic for an examination. At this point, it became clear that the dog was indeed a stray.

This revelation deepened the staff’s sense of responsibility toward the dog. Several members of the team became protective of him, feeling it was now their duty to ensure he was properly taken care of. Although veterinary care can be costly, they didn’t hesitate to cover the expenses out of their own pockets.

Their goal was to ensure the dog received any medical attention he might need. Their love for the dog was clear, and they were willing to go the extra mile to make sure this adventurous pup remained healthy on his daily travels.

Everyone had assumed that the dog’s health tests would reveal a number of concerns. After all, he had been living on the streets for at least a few weeks, and it seemed likely that his health had suffered. However, to everyone’s surprise, the results painted a very different picture.

The dog was in excellent health, and it was clear that he had previously received all the necessary treatments. The green tag on his ear was even more telling, indicating he had already been sterilized. Though no one knew who had cared for him before, it was obvious that this wasn’t just any street dog.

Not only was the dog well-treated, but he also appeared to be clean and well-fed, suggesting that he had been looked after before becoming a stray. Despite his seemingly perfect health, the metro staff wasn’t content to stop there. Their bond with the dog had grown, and they were determined to do everything they could to ensure his well-being in the future.

They went above and beyond, wanting to guarantee that the dog would remain healthy and safe, no matter what his future adventures held. Their care and dedication showed just how special this subway dog had become to them.

Even though the authorities now knew the dog was in good health, their curiosity about his travels only grew. They couldn’t simply leave him to his own devices without wanting to know where he went each day. The officials wanted to keep track of his movements, ensuring his safety while satisfying their intrigue.

However, they also didn’t want to interfere with his freedom. So, they devised a plan that allowed the dog to roam the subway freely but under close supervision. The solution? A tracker.

The transportation department fitted the dog with a tracking microchip that transmitted his location to a computer at the metro station. This system allowed them to monitor the dog’s exact routes throughout the day. The authorities could now keep tabs on their furry friend, ensuring he wouldn’t get lost or face any danger.

They didn’t expect just how far this adventurous dog traveled each day. As the data rolled in, they were astonished to see the extent of his daily journeys. The tracking system offered a new layer of insight into the life of their beloved subway dog, revealing his true passion for exploring the city.

While many had anticipated that the dog would cover a fair amount of distance each day, nobody could have predicted the actual extent of his travels. Analyzing the data from the tracking device revealed an astonishing truth: on average, the dog visited around 29 subway stations daily, not counting ferries!

This was significantly more than the average Istanbul commuter, highlighting just how much time he spent exploring the subway system. It was estimated that he covered approximately 30 kilometers daily by train, an impressive feat for any traveler.

This revelation underscored the dog’s apparent comfort while in a moving vehicle. He had developed a routine that allowed him to easily navigate the subway, seemingly relishing the ride. In fact, it became clear that he had likely seen more of Istanbul than many tourists or even local residents.

His daily adventures offered him a unique perspective on the city. As he moved from station to station, he absorbed the sights and sounds around him.

One particular train journey took the dog further than he had ever traveled before. During this adventure, he unexpectedly found himself aboard a ferry, leading him far away from the city center, where his subway explorations typically began.

This time, he ended up on the Princes’ Islands Archipelago, located southeast of Istanbul in the beautiful Sea of Marmara. While it’s likely that he enjoyed a wonderful day at the beach, many people were left puzzled about how he would find his way back home.

Returning to his starting location would have required him to navigate multiple ferries, trains, and trams. This seemed daunting for a dog, raising questions about his ability to remember routes. However, the next day, the dog was back at it again, resuming his adventures in the subway system.

His ability to retrace his steps was impressive, as it appeared he had an exceptional memory of the transport routes he had taken. Observers couldn’t help but marvel at how this clever dog managed to navigate the city’s public transportation system, utilizing the same modes of transport to return home, proving that his sense of direction was as remarkable as his adventurous spirit.

While most dogs become thrilled at the prospect of treats or walks, this particular pup is quite different. His excitement peaks when it’s time to board his favorite train line. He has a penchant for history, as records indicate he often travels along the city’s historic tram lines.

The data from his tracker reveals that the M4 Metro Line is his absolute favorite. Every few days, this adventurous dog can be seen happily seated on this specific tram, taking in the sights and attractions of the city.

He seems to relish each ride, enjoying the opportunity to observe Istanbul’s most famous landmarks from the comfort of his seat. His journeys along the M4 showcase his love for exploration and reflect a unique character, making him a beloved figure among regular commuters.

This dog’s enthusiasm for travel is infectious, and his presence on the train brings a smile to those who encounter him. Whether gazing out the window or settling into his favorite spot, he embodies the spirit of adventure.

It quickly became clear that this pup deeply loved time spent on the water. Whenever he boarded the ferry, passengers couldn’t help but comment on how content he appeared. He would joyfully jump up to peer over the barriers, eagerly taking in the views around him.

The dog frequently took ferries to nearby islands and across the straits, embracing each opportunity for adventure. Chris McGrath, a journalist who spent a day following the dog, noted how comfortable and relaxed he seemed while traveling.

McGrath described the serene scene of the dog lounging on the ferry, soaking up the sun and enjoying the gentle sway of the boat. His calm demeanor painted a picture of pure bliss, contrasting with the bustling atmosphere of the ferry. However, the pup’s playful side would emerge whenever the boat encountered larger waves.

He would start barking excitedly, adding a touch of lively energy to the peaceful setting. This blend of tranquility and playfulness showcased the dog’s unique personality.

McGrath observed that the dog appeared remarkably intentional whenever he boarded a ferry or train, almost as if he had a specific plan before arriving at the station. According to McGrath, when two trains pulled in simultaneously, the dog would take a moment to assess his options.

He would glance at one train, seemingly decide it wasn’t the right choice, and then confidently move toward the next one. It was as if the dog could read the destination boards.

This level of self-awareness left many people puzzled. Locals began to joke that the dog seemed to know the public transport system better than they did! His ability to navigate the various routes and select his trains confidently contributed to his legendary status among commuters.

Observers marveled at how this clever pup demonstrated a remarkable understanding of his surroundings, making each journey purposeful.

It’s important to highlight that the dog has never bothered any passengers during his travels. He seems to have a solid understanding of public transport etiquette, typically choosing seats toward the back of the train and giving way to embarking passengers.

Over time, commuters have become so accustomed to his presence that they treat him like a regular. While it’s clear that the pup enjoys his adventures around the city, the exact joy he derives from these long journeys remains a mystery.

After observing the dog’s behavior for several months, the metro staff discovered his fondness for being near the train’s engine. He consistently gravitates toward seats located on top of the engine, and if those are occupied, he finds a spot as close as possible.

When traveling on the Metro or subway train, he prefers to sit right above the wheels, enjoying the vibrations of the journey. After referring to him as “the traveling dog” for so long, the staff finally decided to give him a name reflecting his love for the engine.

In Turkish, the middle section of the train is called the Boji, which inspired the staff to name the dog after this term, perfectly reflecting his love for movement. Before long, everyone began referring to him as Boji, as if the public had adopted him as their own.

While Boji had already been popular among locals, having a name made him an even bigger attraction. People from various parts of Istanbul started visiting his local station just to catch a glimpse of the traveling dog, solidifying his status as a local celebrity!

Upon hearing about Boji the dog, Chris McGrath quickly booked a ticket to Istanbul. Once he arrived, he dedicated an entire day to following Boji, photographing him, and documenting his movements and patterns. It became clear to McGrath that day that Boji had achieved local celebrity status among subway passengers.

McGrath recalled a moment when a new restaurant owner at the station almost shooed Boji away. However, diners quickly corrected him, explaining that Boji was a beloved local dog who roamed the station freely.

Boji is undoubtedly the most famous stray dog in Istanbul, which grants him certain privileges. However, the Turkish people are generally known for their kindness toward stray animals, making every effort to care for them. His well-nourished appearance and cleanliness indicate that he is well cared for by the community.

Additionally, he has the freedom to sleep at the station. Since gaining fame around town, Boji has upgraded his hound life, finding a home in a place he truly loves.

After gaining immense popularity, the Metro ensured Boji’s needs were well met. They established a dedicated “Boji station,” equipped with fresh water, a food bowl, and a warm bed, allowing Boji to travel the city while having a comfortable place to call home.

The subway even displayed a photo of Boji next to the refreshment station, highlighting their affection for the beloved stray. This initiative reflects the deep care the staff has developed for him, and the area is also open to other stray animals, demonstrating the community’s kindness toward all.

Over time, municipal members have developed a protective sense of responsibility for Boji. One station even donated a kennel to use whenever he needed a place to rest. They continue to monitor Boji’s movements with the tracker, ensuring he stays safe and out of trouble.

Additionally, the municipality aims to educate the public on how to interact with Boji safely and respectfully. As a result, discussions have begun about putting up posters that explain Boji’s situation.

As a result, discussions have emerged about creating posters to explain Boji’s situation, which will also help educate people on how to treat other stray animals. Given his extensive experience using the subway and other public transport systems, it’s no surprise that Boji has adapted remarkably well to city life.

His familiarity with the routes and protocols demonstrates his intelligence and resilience, making him a beloved local figure and a symbol of compassion for strays in Istanbul.

According to McGrath, Boji is the perfect dog — always cheerful and exhibiting no signs of aggression. He welcomes affection from train passengers and revels in the attention he receives. All Boji wants is to explore the city, and despite his unusual behavior for a dog, everyone has grown accustomed to him.

He appears perfectly content traveling alone, exuding calmness and confidence as he moves about like any other commuter.

Boji is undeniably a bit of a rule-breaker, doing exactly what he wants when he wants. It’s almost as if he plans his own schedule and maps out his train routes in advance. Always punctual, he patiently waits for his train to arrive.

Unfazed by his lack of an owner, Boji navigates the subway confidently. According to McGrath, he doesn’t respond to commands; if someone tries to instruct him, he ignores them or looks bewildered. Boji sees himself as just another passenger!

Boji may often act like a human, but like any dog, he gets excited by cats! Locals notice his animated behavior only when a cat is nearby, leading to playful chases highlighting his spirited nature. This playful side reminds everyone that, despite his urban adventures, Boji embodies the typical dog’s enthusiasm.

Boji is a special dog, and the locals adore him. Few things are more delightful than seeing a dog peacefully napping on a train. His solo subway rides often bring treats and affection from passengers.

Boji brings joy to Istanbul locals and symbolizes kindness. Unlike many places where a dog like him might be sent to a shelter, the compassion shown by residents highlights their generosity. Subway rides have become special as passengers spot their lovable companion.

He has gained social media fame with an Instagram account showcasing his adventures. Though his past is a mystery, Istanbul’s residents have embraced and spoiled him with love and care.

Being a veterinarian isn’t easy. They spend each day looking after sick and injured animals, often seeing sights that no normal person would wish to see. However, occasionally, vets see things that would leave even the most expert in their field stumped. That’s what happened to Dr. Marcus Greene when he met Lola, a pregnant chocolate labrador retriever, and helped deliver her puppies only to discover something extremely unusual.

Lola was brought to Dr. Greene’s office by Mrs. Thompson, her owner. She was pregnant for the first time, and Mrs. Thompson was both excited and nervous for everything to go well. Dr. Greene reassured her that it would.

Lola was her beloved chocolate labrador retriever, commonly referred to as Chocolate Labs. Labs are extremely popular dogs, known for being affectionate, extroverted, and great family pets due to their friendly natures. They’re one of the world’s most popular breeds.

Pets often become part of the family, so it was only natural for Mrs. Thompson to be concerned for Lola’s well-being. The good news was that her owner had taken her to the right place.

Dr. Greene’s vet clinic was very busy and he’d been a vet for a long time, which meant that Lola was in great hands. While puppies can often be delivered safely at home, with Lola being a first-time mom, doing it at the vet clinic was safer.

Dog pregnancies typically last around 63 days, or two months, so Mrs. Thompson had spent long weeks highly anticipating the arrival of Lola’s puppies. However, once it was all over, both she and Dr. Greene would be shocked by what they found.

Dog births are already stressful enough without surprises. Everyone at the vet clinic was waiting with bated breath to assist the vet and make sure all of the puppies made it into the world safely.

Dr. Greene had met Lola before when her owner brought her in for a check-up only weeks before. He loved her playfulness and joy, traits typical in labs. However, when Mrs. Thompson brought her in this time, her mood was very different.

Lola was whining a lot and panting, which are signs that show distress in dogs. Her vet knew that this could only mean one thing — Lola was going into labor and needed help.

When dogs have puppies, their litters tend to be five to six puppies, but anywhere from 1-12 is totally normal. Mrs. Thompson was eagerly waiting to see how many Lola would have, and she wasn’t disappointed.

Dogs typically don’t need much help with their labor, but Dr. Greene geared up anyway to make sure that he was ready if Lola needed him. Everyone in the clinic was excited to see what would happen.

No dog owner expects to see their vet frequently because going to the vet frequently usually means poor health, and no one wants that for their furry companions. However, this wasn’t the last Dr. Greene would see of Lola and Mrs. Thompson.

The surprising thing is that their frequent visits once Lola’s puppies arrived weren’t due to health issues with the puppies or their mother; they were due to something much more unusual.

Like any pet owner, when their dog is going through something stressful, Mrs. Thompson is nervous. Dr. Greene took the time to make sure she knew Lola would be okay. He pointed out to her that as Lola’s trusted companion, he needed her to be a calming presence for her dog.

She understood and started to pet Lola, helping both of them relax for the delivery of her puppies. They hoisted Lola to the delivery area, knowing the puppies would start arriving any minute.

Dr. Greene was surprised to see how much Lola’s belly had grown in the few short weeks since he’d seen her last. She was much bigger, and between that and the X-rays he had taken earlier that day, he knew they were in for a long day.

He explained to Mrs. Thompson that Lola was likely going to have a large litter due to her big belly and that they needed to remain patient as they helped her dog through the process.

While dogs may give birth to more puppies than humans do to babies at once, they’re lucky in that their labors tend to be much shorter. Dog labors take 3-12 hours, depending on how many puppies there are and if there are any complications.

Mrs. Thompson was lucky because she had an entire veterinary office at her side to take care of Lola. In the end, Lola gave birth to 12 puppies, which — while possible — is rare in the dog world.

Lola had an even split of puppies — six girls and six boys, all of varying colors. There were three black puppies, four chocolate, three yellow, and even one silver, which is a rare color for labs.

As the team looked over Lola’s litter, they quickly realized that something wasn’t quite right. Puppies, like newborn babies, wriggle around, often making soft noises as they search for their mom. But one of the puppies wasn’t doing that.

In fact, one of the puppies wasn’t moving at all; it was completely still. Dr. Greene and his team worried that the puppy was stillborn, and they quickly jumped into action to see if they could rouse the little one.

Mrs. Thompson was visibly upset, causing a moment that was happy and hopeful to become bittersweet. But her vet wasn’t willing to give up on Lola’s baby just yet, and he decided to try to save it.

Lola may have been recovering from a long birth with 11 other puppies to look after, but she noticed that something wasn’t right. While Dr. Greene tried to coax the pup to life, Lola surprised everyone.

Even though she was exhausted, she got up and came over to where the vet and his team were working on her puppy. She gently bumped the little one with her nose, as if she could sense that something was wrong.

To everyone’s surprise, this motherly love seemed to breathe life into the puppy, causing it to take its first breath. Lola seemed relieved, giving it some comforting kisses before she plopped down to relax with her other puppies.

What Dr. Greene and Mrs. Thompson didn’t know was that the large litter and stillborn drama were only the beginning of a long journey to figure out what made Lola’s puppies so special.

Aside from the fact that having 12 puppies is fairly uncommon, Lola’s puppies were unique in more ways. Black is the most dominant lab color, and it’s actually the original. Chocolate Labs were rare for a long time.

The only other officially recognized color is yellow. The color of the puppies will depend on the genes of both of the parents and while it’s not surprising to see different colors in a litter, Lola’s litter had too many colors to make sense.

At their first checkup, both Lola and her 12 puppies were doing great, and the vet clinic was pleased with their progress. However, on a phone call with Mrs. Thompson later on, Dr. Greene became confused.

Lola’s owner told the vet that half of the puppies had their eyes opened already, whereas the other half hadn’t. Perplexed by this, the vet decided to pay Lola’s little family a visit at home to see how they were doing in person.

Dr. Greene decided to pick up the puppies one by one to examine them, starting with some of the puppies who had opened their eyes. He started with Miracle, who had an unusual white spot on her chest.

That wasn’t the strangest thing about her, though. Labradors typically have dark brown eyes, but Miracle’s eyes were two different colors; one was brown, but the other was a bright blue. She had heterochromia, rare in dogs, caused by a genetic mutation.

Dr. Greene decided to investigate further as his suspicion that there was something weird about Lola’s puppies grew stronger and stronger. As he looked at Miracle, he asked Mrs. Thompson if any more puppies had heterochromia.

It turned out one did. Her name was Destiny, and like her sister, she not only had heterochromia — but she also had the same white markings in the same places, as well as a curled tail, all of which is unusual in labradors.

Labs are known for a lot of things. The biggest is their love for water, as their breed was bred to help fishermen. To this day, labs love water, and their thick coats and otter-like tails help them be strong swimmers.

They have very muscular tails, which were designed to act almost as a rudder, helping them swim quickly and steer them in the right direction. That’s why it was strange that Miracle and Destiny’s tails were curled.

Dr. Greene decided that it would be a good idea to do DNA testing on all of Lola’s puppies. Mrs. Thompson asked him if he thought something was wrong, and he told her that wasn’t the case.

He simply explained that the puppies seemed very unique, and the doctor in him was too intrigued to let it lie. He wanted to see why exactly these two puppies were so different from the rest of Lola’s litter.

Mrs. Thompson understood Dr. Greene’s curiosity and agreed to have the genetic testing done on the puppies. Dr. Greene started performing cheek swabs, starting with only Destiny and Miracle.

Dr. Greene and his team sent the swabs off to a lab. He continued to treat other patients as he anxiously waited for the results, consumed with thoughts about Lola and her puppies. Mrs. Thompson couldn’t wait to see what they found, either.

Finally, one day, while Dr. Greene was working with someone else’s beloved pet, his assistant brought him the results from the genetic lab that he and Mrs. Thompson had been waiting for. After he finished his exam, he quickly ran off to open the letter.

He was both confused and surprised by the results that he found. He knew that Miracle and Destiny were unique, but he didn’t realize just how unique. It turned out they weren’t ordinary siblings at all.

The DNA results showed that Miracle and Destiny were monozygotic twins. In humans, monozygotic twins are commonly referred to as identical twins. They’re less common than dizygotic, or fraternal, twins. So what’s the difference?

Fraternal twins come from two separate eggs that get fertilized by two different sperm and just happen to share a womb. They’re more similar to normal siblings. Identical twins, on the other hand, come from one fertilized egg that divides into two. Scientists still don’t really understand why this happens.

If you want to get technical, you could claim that every litter of puppies is made up of fraternal twins since they all come from separate eggs and are born at the same time… just like human fraternal twins.

Yet dog identical twins are so rare that a story in 2016 claimed that that was the year when the world’s first dog identical twins were born. While there may have been twins born before then, that was the first confirmed case.

Due to being identical twins, Miracle and Destiny truly were miracles! Dr. Greene was shocked by the revelation, not understanding how it happened. It was one of the strangest things he’d ever seen in his career.

He decided to consult other veterinarians and animal experts, trying to figure out how this was possible. After doing some more research, he finally consulted Mrs. Thompson, who was shocked at what he told her. The two decided to dive deeper.

One day, as Dr. Greene was talking to Mrs. Thompson about her puppies, she told him yet another surprising fact about Miracle and Destiny. She said that the two little ladies were growing significantly faster than the rest of their siblings.

If Dr. Greene thought that he was done with Lola’s family, he was wrong. Knowing that more unusual things were happening, he couldn’t simply give up. He went back to Mrs. Thompson’s home and started meticulously studying each and every puppy.

He took all sorts of measurements, like how much they weighed and how long they were, amongst other things. He wanted to understand why the other puppies were lagging behind. Dog owners will know that puppies don’t necessarily grow at the same pace, but this was still strange.

A lot of factors can cause some puppies to grow slower than their siblings, like nutrition problems or genetic discrepancies. Dr. Greene once again turned to other animal experts to help him sort out what was going on.

Dr. Greene was so determined to get to the bottom of the mystery that he even organized a roundtable discussion with other experts, where they spent time theorizing what could cause such big differences in Lola’s puppies.

Ultimately, they all decided that the best course of action would be to get an even more advanced DNA test done. But this time, they wouldn’t test only Miracle and Destiny. They would test the entire litter of 12 puppies.

Once again, armed with cotton swabs and patience, Dr. Greene went back to Mrs. Thompson’s home and spent time collecting samples from every single puppy. DNA testing is done with buccal swabs.

Commonly called “saliva samples,” although it’s inaccurate, buccal swabs are a minimally invasive yet very useful way to collect a DNA sample from an animal. All it requires is a quick swipe along the animal’s cheeks and gums, and it’s ready to be sent off to a lab.

Once again, Dr. Greene and Mrs. Thompson played the waiting game. And once again, on a random day in the office, the vet’s assistant brought him an envelope that contained the information he needed to hopefully solve the mystery once and for all.

No one expected the results to reveal what they did. Lola’s puppies were conceived by a phenomenon known as superfecundation. While it sounds scary, it’s actually very straightforward — Lola was carrying two separate litters of puppies at once!

Superfecundation can happen in other animal species, too, but it’s most common in dogs. But don’t be mistaken, as it’s still not common. It happens when a female dog mates with more than one male during her fertile period.

Dr. Greene and Mrs. Thompson were shocked by the results. How on earth could Lola have two separate litters of puppies from two separate fathers? The good news was that it easily explained why Miracle and Destiny seemed to be so different from their siblings.

Now that Dr. Greene had a full picture of what made Lola’s litter — no, litters — so special, he started to wonder if Mrs. Thompson had an explanation for Lola’s puppies having two separate fathers. It turned out that she did.

One night, while in the heat, Lola had a bit of a wild night out and about. While Mrs. Thompson thought that Lola had only had “relations” with one male, it was obvious that Lola had actually been with two!

Lola having two separate litters explained a lot. It explained why she had the rare case of having identical twin puppies in Miracle and Destiny, and it explained why she had 12, which isn’t super common.

It also explained why her litter had every possible labrador color present. While it’s possible for labs to have more than one color puppy, it’s not common to see so many different colors at once. Lola’s puppies truly were one of a kind.

Dr. Greene and Mrs. Thompson were finally satisfied, knowing that they finally had a complete picture of why Lola’s puppies were so different from the hundreds of other dogs Dr. Greene had treated in his career.

Lola had identical twins and two litters, making her a true anomaly when it comes to dog moms. The best part of it all was that while the humans fussed over why her puppies were so strange, Lola was simply happy to take care of her babies.

While Lola’s story was a happy one, if you’re considering owning a dog, you should get your dog spayed or, in the case of a male, neutered. This is the removal of parts of their reproductive systems, so they can’t have puppies.

While puppies are cute, spaying and neutering are important for numerous reasons. The biggest is that research shows that spayed and neutered pets live longer, largely due to the reduction in certain types of cancer.

Another great reason to spay or neuter your pets is to avoid contributing to the world’s dog population. While dogs are man’s best friend, the world has more dogs than it knows what to do with, meaning many aren’t cared for or live their lives in overcrowded shelters.

Whether one of Lola’s unique puppies or a dog in a shelter, all dogs are special and deserve love and affection. Lola’s story is one of a caring owner, a curious veterinarian, and a joyful discovery that turned Dr. Greene’s veterinary knowledge on its head!